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Newsroom

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – June 22, 2013 – The Akron Racers are rolling. Behind a solid performance in the circle from veteran ace Lisa Norris, the Racers shut out the NY/NJ Comets 2-0, completing the series sweep and bringing their record up to .500 for the first time this season.

“This was a great series,” Racers Owner/GM Joey Arrietta said. “Things are beginning to come together for us.”

Norris tossed a two-hit shutout, displaying her characteristic efficiency and needing just 86 pitches to complete the game. She faced 23 batters, two above the minimum, while striking out four and walking just one en route to her third victory of the season.

Akron managed just two runs against Comets pitcher and former Hofstra University ace Olivia Galati, who pitched until there were two outs in the seventh inning before being relieved for the final out by Sarah Plourde. But thanks to Norris’s superb start, two runs proved to be enough offense to cap off the series.

Slugger Sam Marder got Akron on the board in the top of the fifth inning, hitting a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded that allowed Brianna Turang to trot home for the first run. Kelley Montalvo tacked on to the lead the next inning, showing her power by launching a towering solo home run in the top of the sixth inning. Ayumi Karino also continued her solid NPF rookie season, going a perfect 3-3 at the plate with three singles.

In the field, the Racers showed great improvement on defense, boasting an errorless game for the first time this season.

“Our offense is taking shape, our defense is improved,” Arrietta said. “I believe in the depth and talent on this roster.”

The Racers now head home for their first action in Akron, and are scheduled to host the Chicago Bandits in a four-game set starting on June 27 at 7:05 p.m. The final two games of the series, a day/night doubleheader on June 29, will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Notes:

-The Racers are on a five-game win streak.

-Lisa Norris threw a two-hit shutout, earning her third victory of 2013.

-Kelley Montalvo hit her second home run of the season, a solo shot in the top of the sixth inning, and Japanese rookie Ayumi Karino went 3-3.

The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, OH, are the oldest existing team in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. The Racers competed in the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004. Historic Firestone Stadium is home to the Racers and numerous amateur events at all levels of play. The Racers kick off their 11th season of play in 2012.

About National Pro Fastpitch:

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.